What is eminent domain in Georgia? What you need to know

Описание: If you received notice that your property is being taken by GDOT or a utility company through eminent domain, you may be wondering “How is this even legal?” “What happens if I settle for much less than I may really be owed?” Here’s how the eminent domain process works in Georgia and what you should know about your rights as a property owner.

Unfortunately, the government and some others have the power of eminent domain to take land from private citizens for public use. The taking can be temporary or permanent, and it can encompass some of your land or all of it.
The government may also take the right to use your land while you retain ownership. This is called an easement.
https://www.ga-eminent-domain.com/eas...

Under Georgia eminent domain law, the government must offer the property owner just compensation, sometimes called fair market value.
Georgia has also enacted the Landowner’s Bill of Rights, which says that the government must generally notify you in writing before filing a lawsuit to take your property and if the taking is for redevelopment purposes, it must generally be used for roads, utilities, remedying blight, or other public uses.
The most common example of an eminent domain taking is when GDOT decides that it needs land to build, improve, or expand a roadway.

Let’s say you own a gas station and GDOT decides that it needs to take a portion of your parking lot for a new turn lane to increase traffic safety. GDOT can generally take what it needs because it has the power to do so for public use under eminent domain, but it must pay you just compensation first.
The problem is that GDOT’s idea of “just compensation” might be very different from yours – their initial offer will almost certainly be too low, and you should not accept it.
An experienced eminent domain attorney can research the offer and work with land experts to analyze what your property may really be worth, then fight for a better offer from the government for your land.

Since we’ve been in business, we’ve helped our clients get on average nearly 3x their initial offer from the government.* What’s your land really worth? Call us today at 1-888-391-1339 or visit ga-eminent-domain.com for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation.

Attorney David Needham: 375 Northridge Road, Suite 525 Atlanta, Georgia 30350

*Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately. 197% (nearly 3x more) is an average of each case’s increase as of 12/31/23.

00:00:30 - Introduction to Eminent Domain
00:00:53 - Georgia Eminent Domain Laws
00:01:29 - Common Examples in Georgia
00:02:01 - Just Compensation Explained
00:02:34 - Working with an Eminent Domain Attorney
00:03:03 - Conclusion